Allegations of workplace discrimination and retaliation have been raised against a private country club management group following the termination of an employee who claims she endured months of harassment before being dismissed. The complaint was filed by Kerri Metcalf in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on April 13, 2026, naming Sycamore Creek Country Club and Century Golf/Arnold Palmer Golf Management as defendants.
According to court documents, Metcalf was employed by Sycamore Creek Country Club from October 12, 2022, until her termination on October 2, 2024. The club is managed by Century Golf/Arnold Palmer Golf Management. Metcalf alleges that during her employment she experienced ongoing sexual and racial harassment from her supervisor, Executive Chef Marshal Bartley. The complaint states that these actions included verbal and physical abuse, with one incident on August 12, 2024, where Chef Bartley allegedly threw a ceramic bowl of soup at Metcalf in front of other employees.
The filing details that Metcalf was hired as a cook and later promoted to Sous Chef before being demoted in August 2023 and replaced by a white male employee. Despite not contesting the demotion, Metcalf claims she continued to face hostile behavior in the workplace. She reports that racial slurs and discriminatory remarks directed at African Americans were used openly in the kitchen staff’s presence without intervention from supervisors. Additionally, Metcalf’s biracial children—who were also employed in the kitchen—were exposed to racially offensive comments about their heritage.
Metcalf further alleges that as a cancer survivor she was subjected to sexually demeaning comments regarding her body and perceived sexual capabilities by Chef Bartley. The complaint describes an environment “permeated by sexist, racial, and ethnic jokes,” including remarks targeting another coworker of Ghanaian descent.
On October 2, 2024—the day of her termination—Metcalf states that Chef Bartley asked her to loan him $2,000. After declining his request and later accidentally dropping a child’s burger during work hours, she alleges that Bartley yelled at her: “Get your fat ass off my line. You’re constantly inconsistent, not dependable.” She was terminated later that same day.
The lawsuit brings three main claims for relief: violation of Title VII due to race and sex discrimination; violation of Ohio Revised Code §4112 due to race and sexual harassment; and retaliation under both federal law (Title VII) and state law (Ohio Revised Code §4112). According to the complaint: “Defendant failed to take corrective action despite actual knowledge of the discriminatory conduct.” It further asserts that “Plaintiff’s termination constituted retaliation for rejecting a supervisor’s improper financial request and for enduring and not remaining silent about unlawful harassment.” The suit argues that such retaliation is prohibited under both federal and Ohio law.
As part of her prayer for relief, Metcalf seeks reinstatement or front pay in lieu thereof; back pay with lost benefits; compensatory damages for emotional distress; punitive damages; attorney’s fees; litigation costs; prejudgment and post-judgment interest; as well as any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued its Determination and Notice of Rights letter on March 5, 2025. In this notice provided to Metcalf: “The EEOC will not proceed further with its investigation and makes no determination about whether further investigation would establish violations of the statute.” However, it clarifies: “This does not mean the claims have no merit.” The notice informed Metcalf of her right to file suit within ninety days.
Aaron G. Durden of Durden Law L.P.A., LLC serves as trial counsel for Kerri Metcalf in this matter. The case is identified as Case No. 1:26-cv-00372-JPH.
Source: 126cv00372_Metcalf_v_Sycamore_Creek_Country_Club_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf
